Education

In e-mail, Santiago seeks UWM support

Back on campus after a weeklong pursuit of another job, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Carlos Santiago on Monday sent an e-mail to faculty, staff and students assuring them of his commitment to the school and asking for their support.

Santiago became one of two finalists for the job of president of Florida International University last week, only to withdraw his name from consideration at the last minute Saturday.

Santiago said in a statement released Saturday that he had made the decision because he thought he needed to come back to UWM to finish the work he had started. The Miami Herald on Sunday reported that Santiago withdrew after it had become clear he would not get the votes necessary to win the job.

"Over the past several days, I was searching for answers about my own future by exploring the presidency at Florida International University. In the end, I decided I can make the biggest difference in service to others at this time by remaining right here at UWM," Santiago wrote in the e-mail.

He said UWM has even more potential than Florida International to build a research portfolio that can transform the region. He specifically noted the planned new Schools of Public Health and Freshwater Sciences as well as the envisioned Innovation Park for engineering research.

Santiago concluded with a plea for additional community support.

"I will need your help to build both political and financial support for UWM. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you as we move toward fulfilling our mission."

Santiago is scheduled to speak Tuesday afternoon to the UWM University Committee, the executive branch of the Faculty Senate, according to the committee's posted agenda.